Hinckley-Big Rock Claims Little Ten Soccer Title with 2-1 Victory

The Hinckley-Big Rock boys soccer team captured the Little Ten Conference title with a 2-1 victory over Somonauk/Leland/Newark on October 20, 2023, marking their first championship win since 2016. The match, held at Larry “Doc” Peppers Field in Hinckley, saw the Royals secure their 11th overall title, finishing the season with an impressive record of 16-3-2 and a winning streak of 12 consecutive games.

Senior forward Sawyer Smith, who played a pivotal role in the match, noted the significance of the victory. “It’s been a while for the program, so this one feels great. This was one of our best matches of the season,” he stated following the game. Smith’s goal, scored with 24 minutes remaining in the second half, ultimately secured the win for the Royals.

Both teams entered the match with a history of competitive play, having previously ended their regular season encounter in a scoreless tie. The first half of the championship match mirrored that outcome, with neither team managing to find the back of the net. Head coach Scott Bastian emphasized the need for adjustments at halftime, particularly with Smith drawing significant defensive attention.

“We talked at halftime about how if Somonauk was going to key on Sawyer, someone else was going to have to step up,” Bastian explained. The Royals took the lead just four minutes into the second half when Travis Herrmann kept a rebound alive, setting up Gavin Pickert for a well-placed header goal.

Smith then extended the Royals’ advantage to 2-0 with a powerful shot from 30 yards away, which slipped past the outstretched hands of the Bobcats’ goalkeeper, Tristian Reed. This goal was particularly satisfying for Smith, who had previously faced intense marking from the opposition.

Despite being down by two goals, Somonauk/Leland/Newark fought back, with a penalty kick from Nolan Kerley narrowing the score to 2-1 with just over a minute remaining. The Bobcats, who ended the season with a record of 13-5-2, had several chances to equalize in the closing moments, but goalkeeper Alex Casanas thwarted their efforts with a total of 10 saves, including several diving stops.

Somonauk/Leland/Newark head coach Jonathan Liechty praised both teams for their efforts. “What a great effort tonight. We had a number of really good chances throughout the match, but just couldn’t find the finish we needed,” he said. He also acknowledged the disappointment of not winning the title, emphasizing the team’s focus on future goals, specifically targeting a regional championship.

Looking ahead, Hinckley-Big Rock is set to begin Class 1A regional action at home against Harvest-Westminster on October 21, 2023. The Royals will be keen to build on their championship momentum, while Somonauk/Leland/Newark prepares to play the winner of the match between Serena and Earlville.

This thrilling championship encounter not only showcased the talent and determination of the players but also highlighted the rich tradition of high school soccer in the region. As Hinckley-Big Rock celebrates its hard-earned title, both teams remain focused on their respective journeys ahead.